US-Ukraine on verge of signing mineral deal but last-minute snag emerges

The United States and Ukraine are on the brink of finalizing a major mineral deal after months of intense negotiations. The agreement is seen as a crucial step in repairing relations between Kyiv and Washington, as President Donald Trump works towards brokering a peace agreement in Ukraine’s conflict with Russia.

Ukraine’s Prime Minister announced that First Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko is en route to Washington to sign the deal. This agreement is pivotal for Ukraine as it seeks to strengthen ties with the White House and secure support from the U.S. in the ongoing conflict with Russia.

The negotiations hit a roadblock when President Trump insisted on access to Ukraine’s rare earth materials as a condition for continued U.S. aid. However, a recent Oval Office dispute with Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelenskyy delayed the talks. The two leaders finally met face-to-face in Rome at the Pope’s funeral, where they managed to make significant progress.

The latest version of the deal includes a joint reconstruction fund, funded by 50% of profits from Ukraine’s new mineral licenses. The agreement grants the U.S. preferential access to Ukraine’s natural resources deals, without automatically entitling Washington to a share of the country’s mineral wealth or gas infrastructure.

One of the key sticking points in the negotiations is the demand from U.S. officials for Ukraine to sign three documents simultaneously – the framework, a detailed fund agreement, and a technical document. However, Ukraine argues that parliamentary ratification is required, making it impossible to sign all three agreements at once.

The U.S. is seeking access to over 20 raw materials critical to its interests, including titanium, uranium, lithium, graphite, and manganese. These minerals are essential for various industries, such as aerospace manufacturing, nuclear power, and electric vehicle batteries.

Despite the challenges, both sides remain committed to reaching a final agreement. A memorandum signed on April 18 outlines their intention to complete talks by April 26 and sign the deal promptly.

The mineral deal between the United States and Ukraine is a significant step towards strengthening their partnership and securing vital resources for both countries. As negotiations continue, the world watches closely to see how this agreement will impact the geopolitical landscape.